Can a generator get rained on?

[trailernovice]

I understand the danger of running generator in the rain...but that's not my issue...

If we are camping, and have the generator with us but are not actually using it at the time (operating on shore power), does it cause direct harm for the generator to be exposed to rain? Is it necessary to keep it under cover from rain even when not in use?

This line of question came to my mind because I've had motorcycles for years...that have wires and metal parts exposed everywhere....that I ride in the rain...and there's no particular immediate harm that results...it starts, the panel still operates, etc., even in a downpour...and it doesn't immediately turn to rusty dust

Thanks for input

[guidry]

My firefighter friends use those Honda’s in all weather without any problems

[Mike134]

To answer your question we don't really know, but I'd put it under the table, toss a tarp over it etc.

[wildtoad]

Covers don’t cost a lot so why not use a cover when not in use - rain or shine. Essential? Probably not.

[time2roll]

This is my favorite quote:

soren wrote:

I use a Honda 2000, on a daily basis as a homebuilder. It runs eight hours a day, sitting in the mud, snow or on a gravel pile. It has spent days in the pouring rain, seen a few snow storms, and got peed on by a dog. After three years, the case is banged up a bit, it needs a tune-up and an oil change. As for a rain cover......seriously? Don't forget to knit a little sweater for it too....it's chilly out.

[schlep1967]

Plastic folding table or small section of plywood setting on some pieces of firewood should do the trick.

[Hondavalk]

From Generac website, " Can a portable generator be used during inclement weather?–
NEVER run a generator directly in the rain, snow or other wet conditions. NEVER run a generator indoors or in a garage."

I believe while the gas engine would be fine, the generator is air cooled with open air vents.

[Lwiddis]

I always cover my generator when it isn't running and outside.

[Fisherman]

What does the owners manual say about it. Wind driven rain can get into some places, cause havoc and then you'll be wondering why things get rusty and don't work. A simple lawn chair cover with about 30 seconds of effort would alleviate that.

[profdant139]

We just drape a tarp over it, and anchor the tarp with rocks. I'm not sure that rain would be harmful, but I don't want to take a chance.

[time2roll]

As long as no water is going into the fuel or carburetor there is no immediate need to panic and jump up at 3am to bring it inside. Although a tarp would not hurt. Running it 20 minutes to dry it out before storage would not hurt either.

[valhalla360]

Not ideal but we've used ours in a little light sprinkles at times with no ill effects (at least it's 14yrs old and still runs fine).

I would be more hesitant in a total downpour. Better if you could rig up a tarp or something to keep the worst of it off. Maybe put it under the truck tailgate with the exhaust facing away from both truck and trailer but at least keep most of the rain off it.

[2oldman]

Mine can.